Video: Meridian’s Ruakaka Solar Farm consented

Meridian Energy has gained resource consent to build a 120MW solar farm in Ruakaka, Northland.

With up to 250,000 solar panels, the Ruakaka Solar Farm, south of Whangarei, will be capable of producing up to 200GWh of electricity annually – enough to power more than half the homes in Northland.

The project will boost resilience for the region by reducing Northland’s reliance on electricity generated from other parts of the country, says Meridian renewable development head Rebecca Knott.

“With the bulk of New Zealand’s electricity generation coming from the lower South Island and North Island, south of Auckland, we’re proud to be developing such significant generation capacity in Tai Tokerau,” she says.

“This region is blessed with phenomenal natural resources, and we’re looking forward to delivering a fantastic new project that takes full advantage of that.”

The solar farm is Stage 2 of Meridian’s Ruakaka Energy Park, which includes a 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS) that is at an advanced stage of construction and due for completion early 2025.

“The Ruakaka Energy Park is one of a number of renewable energy developments Meridian has underway to improve the security of electricity supply and help create a low carbon future for all Kiwis,” says Knott.

“We’re committed to increasing the amount of renewable electricity we generate and store so that we can help meet New Zealand’s growing demand for clean energy.

“That commitment is backed by a $3 billion investment through to 2030, and a number of excellent projects already in or approaching the planning process,” she says.

“Solar farms and batteries, alongside our hydro stations and wind farms, are part of the solution to strengthening and growing our electricity system, building resilience for tough years and reducing the cost of electricity for homes and businesses.”

Subject to the appeal period and final investment decision by the Meridian board, expected by the end of the year, construction of the Ruakaka Solar Farm starts in early 2025 and is expected to be completed in late 2026.